HAMPTON, NH - After a grueling match in dense fog against Kendall Wanderers FC, the Seacoast United Phantoms prepare to face Elm City Express in the 2nd round of the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Wednesday's first round matchup saw the teams tied at 2-2 at the end of regulation, forcing two scoreless 15-minute overtime periods before the winner would be decided by penalty kicks. Phantoms goalkeeper Mitch Stedman made the save on the 6th round attempt by the Wanderers, setting up the opportunity for the winning goal by Joey Bhangdia.

The victory advances the Phantoms to the 2nd round for the first time since 2015. Elm City Express (Hartford, CT) advanced with a 2-1 victory over the Western MA Pioneers. Anthony Asante scored both goals for Elm City, the defending 2017 NPSL National Champions.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm at Seacoast United Sports Park in Amesbury, MA.

About the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup™
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup™, recognized as U.S. Soccer's National Championship, is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The tournament has crowned a champion for 104 consecutive years dating from 1914. In 1999, the competition was renamed to honor American soccer pioneer Lamar Hunt. Learn more at www.thecup.us.

About Seacoast United Phantoms
The Seacoast United Phantoms compete in the Premier Development League (PDL), with its roster consisting of collegiate, post-collegiate, and international players looking to further their development during the summer months. For more information on the Seacoast United Phantoms, visit www.seacoastunited.com/phantoms.